Classic CD

'This confirms his standing as a light lyric tenor of a quality too rare these days, youthful and free in tone, technically secure, expressive yet elegant in phrasing - all the essentials.'

Gramophone

'The programme is an interesting one... pleasures abound.

 

3 December 2008
1 Donizetti's The Elixir of Love Nemorino's Romanza - 'I saw the tear...'
2 Lalo's The King of Ys Mylio's Aubade - 'Since your unbending guardians...'
3 Bizet's The Fair Maid of Perth Henry Smith's Serenade - 'The sounds of distant laughter'
4 von Flotow's Martha Lionel's Aria - 'None so rare.....'
5 Delibes' Lakmé Lakmé & Gérald's duet - 'Lakmé! Lakmé!...' with Mary Plazas, soprano (PMF Scholar)
6 Verdi's Falstaff Act III second part, Fenton - 'From these true lovers' lips'
7 Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio Belmont's Aria
8 Rossini's Armida Ubaldo & Carlo's duet - 'Murmuring breezes...' with Barry Banks, tenor (PMF Scholar)
9 Handel's Semele 'Where'er you walk'
10 Rimsky-Korsakov's Sadko Son of the Hindu Merchant - 'From crystal waters.... '
11 Rossini's The Barber of Seville The Count's Aria - 'Finish this futile argument...' with Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
The duet from Lakmé is a particularly happy choice, and beautifully sung. The Armida duet too: a rarity and just the kind of thing that will make a few people interested in finding out more about the opera: that's progress.'
CHAN 3006
Great Operatic Arias - Bruce Ford 1

Philharmonia Orchestra conducted by David Parry 

Recorded in Blackheath Halls, London - 10-14 September 1997
Producer - Brian Couzens, Sound engineer - Ralph Couzens, Assistant engineer - Peter Newble